Downtown Port Huron should see a new hotel — not at the Sperry's building and not later this year, as originally promised. But the central business district will be home to a new lodge — at the former Michigan National Bank building next year.

Chuck Reid, the owner of Charter House Innovations and the CityFlats Hotel in western Michigan, said he closed his purchase Wednesday of the MNB building at Huron Avenue and Water Street. Now Reid can pursue his vision — a 38-room hotel that includes a ballroom, lounge and office space.

That's promising news. Supporters of downtown Port Huron have longed for a new focal point. The hope was centered on a new life for the Sperry's building.

Once downtown's anchor, the Sperry's Department Store was a vital asset until it closed more than a decade ago. When Reid announced the site would be transformed into a high-end hotel, it was if a dream came true. At last, downtown supporters thought, the Sperry's building would reclaim its status as the central business district's center.

Reid still has plans for the historic building — a complex of theaters and other attractions. But downtown's hopes rest with his plans for an MNB hotel.

That will take money and time — from $6 million to $8 million and an estimated nine to 12 months. With much of the cost shouldered by Reid and his company, all our community can do is hope that the hotel opens according to Reid's schedule.

More than anything, downtown needs a hotel — a hotel delivered by a business owner with a credible track record and the means to see its creation through.

If the facility opens as soon as this year, downtown Port Huron will become more viable and poised for better things. We wish Chuck Reid well.

A bounext yeartique hotel will be ready for business in downtown Port Huron by this time .

And that's at the latest, according to Chuck Reid.

Reid, the owner of Charter House Innovations and CityFlats Hotel in western Michigan, said the purchase of the former Michigan National Bank building at the corner of Huron Avenue and Water Street was finalized Wednesday.

"It's taken longer than I anticipated, but we're thrilled it's all coming together," he said.

Design for the 38-room hotel with conference space, a ballroom and lounge is underway. Reid said tax incentives and the like are being worked through.

The project will be a $6 million to $8 million investment, with an estimated renovation period of nine to 12 months.

Reid's company also purchased the office building at 405 Water St. next to the bank building. The current tenants of the bank building are being relocated to that building. Reid expects the bank building to be empty of tenants in the next four to six weeks.

Reid came to Port Huron in April with plans for a boutique hotel at the Sperry's building in downtown. He said his plan changed about 15 minutes after that public announcement.

A local businessman told him about the bank building along the Black River.

"That type of building is what I've been looking for," he said. "They're beautiful, the columns, the ceiling treatment, you can't build that today, you can't find that type of architecture. ... The uniqueness of that building is what really drew me to it."

But Reid said he's not abandoning the Sperry's building. He wouldn't go into detail on that project, as federal and state historical requirements are being finalized.

Previously, officials said boutique movie theaters and a restaurant are planned for the Sperry's building at Huron and Grand River avenues.

Scott Beedon, the broker for both properties, spoke to the Port Huron Rotary Club on Thursday.

"We wanted to hear about it because we're a club of community leaders so to speak," said Marge Kopp-Ropposch, president of the club.

Kopp-Ropposch said the development would be a boost to the city. She also hopes moving the hotel location won't leave the Sperry's building vacant.

"We're very happy to see some of the west side action coming to the east side (of the state)," she said.

Kathy Swantek, executive director of the Blue Water Developmental Housing, also was at the luncheon.

Swantek stayed at the CityFlats Grand Rapids location in November.

"That would be great to have that here," Swantek said. "I love the location — you can't beat that."

Port Huron city manager James Freed said not just the developments, but the spinoff of business to other downtown businesses will be a huge boost to the downtown.

"We're pleased to see progress and we have confidence in the developer," he said.